Character traits
Seven character traits
In the 4MySelf method, character is made of seven traits. A trait is a "root": a stable property from which behaviour and motivation grow. Everyone has three or more pronounced traits, and one of them leads. In the breakdown the traits are called by colours — and next to the colour there is always a name.
Why colours?
In professional profiling the traits have their own names. We don't use them — partly because they sound like labels, and partly so as not to draw unnecessary attention from those who use this profiling in their line of work. Instead there are seven colours. They were chosen without any system: the red trait is no "hotter" than the blue, and the green is no "calmer" than the yellow. A colour is just a name.
What drives each one
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Red trait
To be noticed and liked. Self-presentation, a role, a stage. Strong where a case has to be presented and a room won over; a hindrance where long work in the shadows is needed.
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Blue trait
Order in work, things and relationships. Details, rules, bringing things up to standard. Strong in any profession; a hindrance when speed and lightness are needed.
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Magenta
A big goal and a path to it with no alternatives. Scale, leadership, readiness to sacrifice the private for the common. Rare and valuable; a hindrance when the goal needs rethinking.
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Green trait
Kindness and a sense of beauty. Sees the specific person and protects them. Strong wherever people and taste matter; a hindrance when a hard decision is needed.
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Violet trait
A mind of its own. Sees the essence in a detail the others overlook. Strong where an unconventional move is needed; a hindrance where "like everyone else" is required.
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Yellow trait
Energy, zest for life, people and movement. Unafraid where others are afraid. Strong in change and crises; a hindrance where routine and painstaking work are needed.
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Cyan trait
Caution and loyalty to the familiar. Remembers that life holds many surprises. Strong where risks need checking; a hindrance where you have to take responsibility and step into the new.
Why there is no such thing as "simply red"
Character is always a mix. No trait exists in pure form: everyone has three or more pronounced, and they feed one another. That is why 4MySelf never says "you are red". The result is a named pairing of the two leading traits (for example, "Organised Artist") and a breakdown: which traits are pronounced and in what proportion. There are no bad traits: each is a tool — an asset in its place and a hindrance out of it.
The descriptions on the trait pages are about the trait as such, not about you. Which one leads in you and what backs it up is for the test to show; that will be a working hypothesis based on your answers, not a verdict on you as a person.